Kemmerer Village
Assumption, Illinois
Kemmerer Village is a 501(c)(3) child and family services organization south of Assumption, Illinois, founded in 1914 as the Kemmerer Orphan's Home. Its equine program uses an on-campus stable and indoor arena, offering equine therapy for children in its care and R.I.D.E., a community riding program.
- Equine therapy program
- R.I.D.E. community horsemanship program
- Half-hour and one-hour mounted sessions
- Small group sessions (2 or 3 riders)
- Horses and Heroes (resident volunteer program)
- Children ages 3 to 17 (R.I.D.E.)
- Children and youth in Kemmerer Village programs
- Children from the surrounding community (R.I.D.E.)
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Kemmerer Village built an 11,000 sq. ft. indoor riding arena and new stable area in 2010 for its horses and its Equine Therapy program. The Franchios Stable and Riding Arena is home to its therapy horses. In its Horses and Heroes program, residents who have advanced in their clinical program are selected to volunteer alongside community riders.
In 2025 it added R.I.D.E., described as a beginning level horsemanship program focused on resilience, regulation, independence, determination, dependability and empathy. The R.I.D.E. flyer says the program is PATH Intl. Premier Accredited; families may wish to confirm current accreditation directly. Read more about therapeutic riding.
The Horses and Staff
The organization's Spring 2026 newsletter introduces its equine therapy team: Amber Miller, an equine therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been with Kemmerer Village for 18 years, and therapeutic riding instructors Bonnie Webb and Grace Schaefer. The newsletter says Schaefer earned her PATH certification in 2024 after volunteering with the program since 2012.
Location
The stable and indoor arena are on the 24-building Kemmerer Village campus at 941 N. 2500 East Road, Assumption, IL 62510. The main office line is (217) 226-4451.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for R.I.D.E.?
The flyer says completed application forms are required, sessions are by appointment only and additional safety criteria may apply. Contact Amber Miller, LCSW, at (217) 226-2226 or amber.miller@kemmerervillage.org about current openings.
How much does it cost?
As listed on the flyer: $30 per half hour (mounted), $60 per hour (mounted plus ground), and group rates of $15 per rider for a group of 2 or $10 per rider for a group of 3, with group availability to be determined. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
When are sessions held?
The flyer, which is undated, lists Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by appointment only.
Location
Assumption, Illinois 62510
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.